Residents Looking Forward to Many Events in the City

When it comes to events, New Britain has many. This week the New Britain City Journal asked readers in our facebook group which events they are most looking forward to this year as the Question of the Month.

Although there were many answers, it appeared the event most residents are looking forward to is Main Street USA.

Geri O’Keefe-Curtis, “Main Street USA – it gets better each year! And with Craft Booths, it will be better this year also.”

“Main St. USA was great last year, looking forward to that again,” said James Whalen.

Jodi Rybczynski said, “Main Street USA at the park. Hopefully my husband’s band will be playing again.”

“Main St. USA was a great event last year,” said Daisy Fernandez. “Looking forward to it.”

This year the event is planned for Saturday, Sept. 9th, from noon. to 10 p.m. Thousands of people will gather to enjoy a day filled with a variety of cultural foods, adult beer and wine garden, craft and vendor booths, a “kids zone” with rides and amusement activities, helicopter rides, walk-around performers, stages with community performances, children’s entertainment, headlining musical acts, and a fireworks show to end the night. Main Street USA is a celebration of New Britain’s melting pot of cultures.

Another event many people highlighted was the Rose Garden Festival.

“Rose Garden,” said Sharon Baretta. “A perfect event at the nicest time of year in the most beautiful spot.”

Marion Pruzan Fischbein said, “Rose Garden. Adults only.”

The fourth annual New Britain Rose Garden Festival, will take place at the Walnut Hill Rose Garden on Saturday, June 17 from 5-10 p.m.

Once again, imagine dining, drinking, dancing, and the spectacular scenery of 1,000 multi-colored, full bloom roses for five hours on a warm summer night in June at historic Walnut Hill Park. It will feature a night of live music as well as the opportunity to enjoy food from a variety of local restaurants!

Another highlight to the year for many is The Great American Boom. It takes place on the fourth of July and features vendors, music, activities and of course fireworks.

“Great American Boom,” said Jamie Giantonio. “Have been out of town on vacation the past few years!”

Gary-anne Roy said, “Fireworks, they are the best!”

Of course another great event is happening this Sunday in the Little Poland Festival.

“The Little Poland Festival of course,” said Adrian Mark Baron. “Live music, amazing food, shopping, a carnival. Something for everyone. It’s a great promotion for the city. April 30th.”

“Little Poland Festival and Dozynki,” said Lucian Pawlak who organizes both events.

The festival takes place on Broad St. There are vendors, a carnival, entertainment and plenty of Polish food. It opens at 10 a.m.

“The Little Poland Festival was first held in 2012 to celebrate Polish culture and heritage and to highlight the city’s Polish neighborhood known as Little Poland. Over the years, the festival grew from 600 participants to over 20,000 who attended last year, many traveling to New Britain for our event from across New England and beyond. Today, the Little Poland Festival is the highlight of the local Polish calendar and attracts a diverse crowd looking to experience great food, fantastic entertainment and have an overall good time at the first local outdoor festival of the season.”

Dozynki is held in late August at Falcon Field.

Other events residents mentioned were Hoops for Homeless happening this Saturday on Main St.; Halloween Safe Zone which occurs on Oct. 31 downtown, New Britain Bees games; the Summer Music Festival; Memorial Day Parade; St. Peter’s Oktoberfest, graduation day; Holy Cross Bazaar and election day.